Chinese FM heads to Zimbabwe amid anger at foreign businesses

China’s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi begins a two-day official visit to Zimbabwe on Thursday to strengthen ties between the longtime allies. The visit is being watched carefully inside Zimbabwe, where President Robert Mugabe’s supporters this week staged a violent demonstration against foreign domination of the economy.

Reuters

Yang Jiechi arrives in Zimbabwe at a politically tense time.

On Monday, President Robert Mugabe’s supporters took to the streets of Harare to protest against the foreign businesses they say dominate the economy. Shops belonging to Nigerians and Chinese were among those targeted.

It’s not clear whether the foreign minister will discuss the protest.

The visit is being billed as a chance for the two nations "to further consolidate bonds and friendships”. A state banquet will be held in the minister’s honour on Friday night.

As prospective Western investors worry about the safety of sinking money into Zimbabwe, the authorities are desperate for any cash injections they can get.

Zimbabweans were recently told that the China Development Bank is prepared to invest 10 billion dollars in agriculture, mining and infrastructure.

Commentators say the Chinese foreign minister’s visit will be used to show how Zimbabwe is looking east - and doesn’t need the west anymore.

Harare-based economist John Robertson says people should also be cautious about any promises made during this visit. He says any investments will benefit China more than they do Zimbabwe .

So while Zimbabweans will be told to welcome this visit by Yang, some may quietly resent it.